Metro Cab adds 7 bio-diesel Volkswagen cars to Grand Rapids fleet

Emily Zoladz | The Grand Rapids PressRev. Ronald Nyudam, of Grand Rapids, right, gets into one of Metro Cab's new bio-diesel fueled VW Jettas as Metro driver Bryan Kenez, of Kentwood, left, prepares to take off Monday at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. According to VP of Operations Steve Walz, Metro Cab now has seven of these green cars in service, which get 42 miles to the gallon using bio-diesel fuel.GRAND RAPIDS -- Metro Cab driver Bryan Kenez is making fewer stops at the gas pump lately.

Kenez recently switched to a bio-diesel-fueled Volkswagen Jetta cab, a shade greener than the traditional minivan he used to drive. His taxi now motors more than 500 miles on one tank of gas -- that's about 35-40 miles a gallon -- which gives him twice the gas mileage.

The Grand Rapids-based cab firm has added seven of the cars to its fleet in the past two weeks.

Metro Cab felt the investment would be appreciated in Grand Rapids, which is gaining a national reputation as a green city, said Steve Walz, vice-president of operations at Metro Cab, 4678 Danvers Drive SE.

"Eventually, we want to convert all our cabs to Jettas or propane fuel," Walz said.

The move is praised by the Grand Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, where Metro Cab has an exclusive right to stage its vehicles.

Airports around the country are working with their service providers on environmental-friendly practices.

"This would fit in line with that," said airport spokesman Bruce Schedlbauer.

Having taxi cabs fueled by biodiesel could help draw more green-minded visitors to the area, said Kim Rangel, who oversees sustainability issues for the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"A lot of meeting planners are looking for what green features a city has," Rangel said. "It really helps us to market Grand Rapids."

The Jettas are being leased to Metro Cab drivers by the Brighton-based QTS International, which does on-road durability testing.

QTS President Brad Petru says it's the first time the vehicle has been used as a cab.

Customers seem to like the cars that come with leather seats and satellite radio, said Kenez, the local cab driver.

"They maneuver very well in traffic," said the 52-year-old, who has been driving a Metro cab for the past two and half years. "Customers say they are a comfortable ride."

On Monday, the Rev. Ronald Nydam, professor of pastoral care at Calvin Theological Seminary, caught one from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

"So far, so good," as said as he slipped into the backseat and the cab took off.